First Look: Federal Premium 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper

by
posted on September 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fedl_prem_65_creedmoor_tc_f.jpg

Federal Premium's Trophy Copper line of ammunition has been a staple in the hunting industry since its introduction, so it came as no surprise when the company added a 6.5 Creedmoor offering to the stable earlier this year. Why wouldn't you add one of the industry's fastest-growing cartridges to your signature product line? Here are five things you need to know.

1. It’s joining a well-regarded family of ammunition.
Federal’s Trophy Copper line is available in more than 20 additional ads, ranging from .243. Win. to .338 Win. Mag. It’s known for its copper, polymer-tipped bullet that retains 99 percent of its weight, penetrates deep and expands consistently.

2. It packs a punch.
The Trophy Copper 6.5 Creedmoor load features a 120-grain bullet, and should provide suitable power for medium and big game. Federal lists the muzzle velocity at 2875 f.p.s.

3. It has premium features.
Like its Trophy Copper brethren, the 6.5 Creedmoor load features copper construction that can provide up to 99 percent weight retention. It has a tipped bullet cavity that’s optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range, and a grooved bullet shank provides increased accuracy.

4. It can go long.
Though it's not meant to be Federal's new Edge TLR, the 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper is more than capable of reaching out and touching game animals at extended ranges. The polymer tip and boat-tail design increase the ballistic coefficient for higher downrange velocity and energy.

5. It works.
What better way to put a new cartridge to the test than to take it on a hunt? I put the new 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper to work on a recent New Mexico antelope hunt, and it didn't let me down. Though we weren't able to recover the bullet, it had little trouble dropping my pronghorn at 200 yards—devastating the vitals and breaking a shoulder on the exit, to boot. Hard to argue with that.

Latest

Chris Shooting Benelli M4 EXT
Chris Shooting Benelli M4 EXT

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217-grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line.

Texas the Latest State to Approve FireStick for Muzzleloader Season

Texas recently approved the use of Federal Ammunition’s FireStick system during the state’s muzzleloader season. It is 33rd state to legalize the technology.

Hardware Review: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

Check out Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen's review of the EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.